A two-day awareness campaign, organized by National Welfare Forum (NWF) an NGO and Tourism Department, concluded here with people and school children taking the pledge to work for the conservation of environment.

The campaign-cum- training programme educated the people about environment and the eco-restoration. NWF along with the Tourism Department is working to promote awareness about environment conservation, health and hygiene in and around the tourist villages.

The two-day campaign was organized at Government High School Banimulla where the girl students from KGBV also participated. About 400 students and locals were present during the two-day drive.

While addressing the gathering Principal High School, Haji Mohammad Amin, said that people and student must pay special attention towards the restoration of the environment.

“We have played havoc with our environs and for this we are paying a heavy price. The Kashmir valley is witnessing unprecedented seasonal changes and all this is happening because of depletion of the green cover that the Valley otherwise had,” said the Principal.

“The students must come forward to help to restore the green cover that was once considered as a hallmark of the Kashmir valley.”

Ghulam Nabi Mir, a senior teacher said that it was a moment of pride for the village to have been declared a tourist village. He said, “It would be our collective responsibility to work for its success. The village has a huge potential to attract tourists in the coming days. The students and the locals have a collective responsibility to keep the village clean.”

The students had presented a cultural programme during the training and awareness session that enthralled the audience. The students also participated in a painting competition and cleanliness drive in and around the Banimulla village.

Chairman National Welfare Forum, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, urged the locals to actively work in tandem with the local administration and tourism department to create an ideal environment for the tourist arrival as the spot had stunning landscapes and beautiful tracking routes.

Guest